Escape to Milwaukee: Luxury Near the Airport Awaits!
Escape to Milwaukee: Luxury Near the Airport Awaits! – (Seriously?) A Review That's Actually Real.
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average, sanitized hotel review. We're diving headfirst into the "Escape to Milwaukee: Luxury Near the Airport Awaits!" experience. And trust me, there's a lot to unpack. Forget those perfectly-posed Insta shots; this is the raw, unfiltered truth, complete with my (totally subjective) opinions and a healthy dose of "did I really just spend that much?" wondering.
First Impressions (and the Airport Shuffle):
Let's be honest, "luxury near the airport" doesn't exactly scream "romance getaway." I was picturing fluorescent lights, questionable carpet, and the faint aroma of jet fuel. But… walking into the lobby, I actually, genuinely thought, "Huh. Okay, this is… nice." The decor leans modern, with pops of local art. The staff – I swear, they were genuinely friendly. Forget the soulless "Welcome to the hotel" drone. They were helpful, like actually wanted to make my stay pleasant. (A rare and beautiful thing, people!)
Accessibility? Check! (and a Few Small Gripes):
Right off the bat, huge props for accessibility. Elevator? Check. Ramps? Check. They've clearly put some serious thought into making this place welcoming for everyone. They've seemingly nailed the Facilities for disabled guests boxes. The Wheelchair accessible claim is legit. I didn’t personally need it, but seeing the effort made me happy. Now, a minor nitpick (because I'm a human, and humans nitpick!): while the main areas are wonderfully accessible, I'm not sure about every single nook and cranny. There were a few slightly tight corners navigating the hallways, so keep that in mind if you really need maneuverability. But overall, A+ for inclusivity.
Internet – Because, You Know, Life:
Okay, let's talk connectivity. The Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! claim is a huge win. Seriously, a huge win. I need Wi-Fi like I need air. And it worked. No dropped connections, no buffering nightmares. Pure, unadulterated internet bliss. They even have Internet [LAN] if you're into that kind of thing. So, perfect for work, perfect for streaming… perfect for procrastinating, basically. They also list Internet services and Wi-Fi in public areas too. All good. The Room: My Temporary Fortress of Solitude (and Caffeine):
My room? Whoa. It wasn't Versailles, but it was definitely a step up from a budget motel. Air conditioning that actually worked (miracle!), a super-comfy Extra long bed, crisp Linens, fluffy Bathrobes (yes!), and a Coffee/tea maker. God bless those coffee makers. It’s the real MVP, first thing in the morning. Complimentary tea too, fancy! Free bottled water also. The Blackout curtains were a dream; my sleep was solid thanks to the Soundproofing. I could practically hear my worries dissipate. Additional toilet?! Nice.
Now, let's talk about the Mirror. Because, let's be real, we all judge ourselves in hotel mirrors. This one was unkind. Kidding! It was a normal mirror. The Shower was great; Private bathroom. Toiletries were of a decent quality, and included Hairdryer, Ironing facilities, and Umbrella (always a bonus). Wake-up service felt like a relic of a bygone era, but I gave it a try and it worked! Safety/security feature were Smoke detector, Smoke alarms, Non-smoking room and the In-room safe box. Alarm clock, Desk, Seating area, Sofa, Closet, Closet were welcome add-ons. Downside (minor): I found the Room decorations a tad… generic. A little personality wouldn't go amiss. But, hey, I wasn't there to judge art, right?
Feasting & Fighting the Urge to Order Everything:
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff: FOOD. The Restaurants looked good and they included A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant and Western cuisine in restaurant. They also included Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant. Bar? Check. Poolside bar? Double check (I'm a sucker for a cocktail by the pool). Breakfast [buffet] was a standout. I mean, Breakfast [buffet]! Every breakfast choice you can think of! I went through the Asian breakfast and Western breakfast options and I can say they were good. The Room service [24-hour] was a godsend. When your stomach groans at 2 am, you'll be thanking them. Snack bar was well-stocked. I succumbed to the Happy hour too many times… (judge me, I dare you!). Bottle of water? Of course. Vegetarian restaurant? (I don't do vegetarian, but good to know they're catering).
Body & Soul – My Spa Day Adventures (and Minor Mishaps):
Okay, spa. I went full-blown "treat yourself" mode. The Spa was beautifully designed. The Pool with view was heaven. The Sauna, Steamroom were tempting, but I was more interested in the full-body experience. A Massage was essential after my stressful week. It was seriously AMAZING. I told the masseuse that I needed all the Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath and she delivered! That feeling of total relaxation is hard to beat. Things to do, ways to relax: Fitness center was there, Gym/fitness, too (ugh!). I just didn’t have the energy (and I didn’t want to ruin my zen). More Practical Stuff (Because Reality Bites):
- Cashless payment service (thank god, I hate fumbling with cash)
- Daily housekeeping (yes, please, keep my fortress clean!)
- Laundry service, Dry cleaning (because who wants to pack a suitcase full of dirty clothes?)
- Car park [free of charge] (HUGE bonus!)
- Elevator (important for my non-existent calves)
- Front desk [24-hour] (peace of mind, knowing I'm covered)
- Safe dining setup (so important now!)
- Cash withdrawal
- Contactless check-in/out
Other Services:
- Air conditioning in public area
- Audio-visual equipment for special events
- Babysitting service
- Bicycle parking
- Business facilities
- Car park [on-site]
- Car power charging station
- CCTV in common areas
- CCTV outside property
- Check-in/out [express]
- Check-in/out [private]
- Concierge
- Convenience store
- Couple's room
- Currency exchange
- Doorman
- Essential condiments
- Exterior corridor
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Family/child friendly
- Fire extinguisher
- Food delivery
- Gift/souvenir shop
- Hotel chain
- Indoor venue for special events
- Invoice provided
- Ironing service
- Kids facilities
- Kids meal
- Laptop workspace
- Luggage storage
- Meeting/banquet facilities
- Meetings
- Meeting stationery
- Non-smoking rooms
- On-site event hosting
- Outdoor venue for special events
- Pets allowed unavailable
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter
- Proposal spot
- Projector/LED display
- Reading light
- Rooms sanitized between stays
- Safety/security feature
- Safety deposit boxes
- Security [24-hour]
- Seminars
- Shared stationery removed
- Shrine
- Smoking area
- Socket near the bed
- Soundproof rooms
- Staff trained in safety protocol
- Sterilizing equipment
- Taxi service
- Terrace
- Toiletries
- Valet parking
- *Visual
Alright, buckle up buttercups! Because this isn't your grandma's polished travel itinerary. We're diving headfirst into the glorious, messy, and frankly, inevitable chaos of a trip to Milwaukee, starting at that bastion of budget-friendly comfort: The Quality Suites Milwaukee Airport.
Trip: Milwaukee Mayhem & Mild Discomfort (in a Good Way)
Dates: October 26th - October 29th (ish… details subject to change, mostly due to my innate inability to stick to a plan)
Hotel: Quality Suites Milwaukee Airport (because, let's be real, I need practicality somewhere in this equation).
Day 1: Arrival & the Quest for Decent Coffee (and Maybe a Beer… or Two)
- 1:00 PM - Arrival at Mitchell International Airport (MKE). Okay, so I forgot to pack… well, everything. Seriously. My toothbrush is MIA. I blame the pre-trip anxiety brain fog. Cue the internal freakout. But hey, at least I arrived! First impressions? MKE actually seems… shockingly bearable. Clean, even. Score one for Milwaukee. (Note to self: Buy toothbrush. And maybe pants.)
- 1:45 PM - Check-in at Quality Suites. Ah, the comforting beige embrace of a chain hotel. I'll admit, the free breakfast is a major selling point at this stage, because I haven't eaten since… well, a while. Okay, the room is kinda bland, but it's clean enough and the bed doesn't look like it's seen war. Progress! I’m already daydreaming of a good night’s sleep.
- 2:30 PM - The Coffee Crisis. Armed with the hotel's pathetic coffee pot (it's borderline criminal, really), I resolve to find a proper caffeine fix. Google Maps tells me there's a Starbucks… but that's not what I'm looking for. This demands a local experience.
- 3:00 PM - I eventually stumble upon this super cute, quirky little cafe called Colectivo Coffee a few minutes from the hotel. The aroma alone is enough to make me forget my toothbrush-related woes. The coffee is glorious! Smooth, rich, and actually tastes like coffee instead of burnt water. Feeling human again!
- 4:00 PM - Stroll the city. I start a bit of a walk around the city. I get a bit excited by a local art store and spent what felt like an hour there. I am finding myself enjoying all the little quirks of this city and it seems to be building up a nice little picture of the city.
- 5:00 PM - Beer Time! Milwaukee, after all, is known for its beer. I decide to check out Lakefront Brewery. I wanted to go to a good beer brewery and also felt that this one was close enough to the hotel to avoid any complications. The tour was a blast and the beer was even better! I am feeling great, and the day seems to be going well.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner I have heard many great things about the famous Milwaukee Brat House. I feel it would be appropriate to head on over and give it a shot. They also have plenty of beer on tap! All around great place and even better food.
Day 2: Culture, Cheese, and… More Beer (Surprise!)
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast at the hotel. Okay, the free breakfast is slightly better than yesterday. At least they have a waffle maker. I think I can survive on waffles for a while.
- 9:00 AM - The Milwaukee Art Museum. A beautiful building! Seriously, this place looks like something out of a sci-fi movie. I end up spending a much longer time than I anticipated here and the paintings and exhibitions were pretty impressive. (Pro tip: wear comfortable shoes. Your feet will thank you.)
- 12:00 PM - Cheese Curd Craze! Okay, if you're in Wisconsin, you have to try cheese curds. I went to the Wisconsin Cheese Mart for them and it was glorious. Fresh, squeaky, and utterly addictive. I may have bought a bucket. Don't judge me.
- 1:00 PM: A little bit of shopping. I was able to visit a few local shops and find some very interesting things that I thought I would make a great souvenir for my friends and family.
- 2:00 PM - Craft Brewery exploration: I headed to another brewery I had heard about: Third Space Brewing. I wasn't disappointed, and the beers were an absolute delight after a long day of walking and shopping.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner at a local spot. Tonight I visited Carnevor which was a great spot to go and eat a hefty dinner such as a perfectly cooked streak. I found myself spending a bit of time at the bar and have a great time laughing with the bartenders.
Day 3: The Milwaukee Riverwalk, and… Well, Where to Go?
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast at the hotel. Sigh. Waffles again. I think I can taste the plastic in the syrup now. But hey, fuel is fuel.
- 9:00 AM - Exploring the Milwaukee Riverwalk. I've heard good things. I'm hoping it's not too touristy. I am starting to feel much more comfortable and confident in the city and I was ready to start walking around and exploring what I could find.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch & Wandering: I found this great spot in Black Sheep MKE, and I decided to get a fancy sandwich! It was a great decision and gave me more energy to keep exploring! The staff was very helpful and kind, and I would say I had an amazing time at this spot. They also were great at directing me to another bar I wanted to check out.
- 2:00 PM - Back to the hotel I'm honestly feeling a bit… tired. Sometimes the best travel plan is no plan at all, or at least, a very gentle one. I will be heading back to the hotel, taking some much needed time to relax.
- 4:00 PM - The Milwaukee Public Market. I decided to give my legs a good walk and go back to the market. I got a bit of dessert and also found a cool giftshop.
Day 4 (Departure – with Maybe a Toothbrush… Hopefully!)
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast at the hotel. One last waffle hurrah? Yep.
- 9:00 AM - Last minute check for the toothbrush. I still haven't found the damn thing. Hopefully the lobby shop has some…
- 10:00 AM - Check out and leave for the airport. (Thankfully, all my personal belongings were accounted for!)
Important Notes & Ramblings:
- Pace Yourself: I am, admittedly, a serial over-planner. This schedule is more of a suggestion. Feel free to deviate. Get lost. Embrace the unexpected.
- Food is Key: Milwaukee has a fantastic food scene. Do your research! I'm going to try and go back to some spots I have missed and try some other places that I end up finding!
- Embrace Imperfection: This trip is a work in progress. I'll undoubtedly get lost, miss a few things, and probably wear the same pair of jeans for three days straight. It's all part of the adventure, right?
- Bring Snacks: Because hangry is real, and hotel vending machines are not always reliable.
- Most importantly: Have fun!
This whole experience is just a chance to recharge and reset! This is no polished corporate travel, this is me doing what I do best: enjoying myself and making sure I have a good time.
Langkawi's Hidden Gem: Urban Oasis Meets Eco Paradise!
Okay, spill the tea: Is "Escape to Milwaukee: Luxury Near the Airport Awaits!" *really* luxurious? Or is it airport-adjacent-with-a-fancy-name trickery?
Alright, let's get REAL. I went there expecting some... well, let's just say I've been burned by "luxury" hotel marketing before. You know the drill: promises of fluffy robes, reality of scratchy towels.
Honestly? It's *pretty darn good*. Emphasis on *pretty*. The lobby? Slick. The staff? Utterly charming, like, actually helpful and didn't make me feel like I was an idiot for taking a while to find my room (true story!). The rooms? Spacious, modern... the bed was like sinking into a cloud. A *very* expensive cloud, mind you. But luxurious? Yeah, I'd say that's fair.
But... (and there's always a but, isn't there?) the "luxury" extends only so far. Remember that dream of a spa? Well, the gym is a little on the small side... and the "free" continental breakfast? Let's just say a decent muffin makes a much bigger difference when you're paying an arm and a leg to stay there. Still, you can't fault the effort. They *try*. And the main part is if you're flying out, the convenience is a HUGE win.
What's the *real* distance from the airport? Because "near" can mean anything from a leisurely walk to a three-hour bus ride, right?
Okay, this is where "Escape to Milwaukee" really *shines*. It's practically *in* the airport's backyard. Seriously, you could probably throw a (not-recommended) suitcase from the hotel and hit the terminal. I think it was a *five* minute shuttle ride to the terminal, and that's including the time I spent wrestling with my giant bag. Like, physically struggling with it at 6 in the morning. Don't judge me!
This is a HUGE win. Especially after a red-eye flight when your brain is mush. You basically roll out of bed, onto the shuttle, and *poof* - you're at the gate. Saves you the stress of traffic and the ridiculous parking fees.
Give me the nitty-gritty: What amenities are actually *worth* using? The pool? The gym? That, uh, "business center" thing?
Alright, let's break it down, shall we?
- The Pool: I didn't use it. I'm more of a "hide in my room and watch bad reality TV" kind of person. But it looked nice, and the people seemed to be enjoying it. So, depends on your swimming appetite.
- The Gym: Okay, here’s my confession: I *intended* to use the gym. Every. Single. Day. I even packed workout clothes! But the lure of the bed, that beautiful, fluffy bed, was just too strong. I did *peek* in there, and it *was* small. But hey, it has the basics. treadmills, weights. If you're serious about getting a workout in, you might be disappointed, but for a quick session, it's probably fine. For me, it was a moral victory.
- The "Business Center": Nope. Never saw it. Seriously, who uses a business center anymore? (Unless you're still rocking a fax machine and need to send a document. No judgment.)
- The Restaurant: Ah, the restaurant. I, being the adventurous soul I am, opted to eat there. The food was (and I'm being generous here) fine. It’s not exactly a culinary masterpiece, but it’s convenient. And after a long flight, convenience is King (or Queen). However, the prices... let's just say I could have eaten a week's worth of instant ramen for the price of one meal.
So, the takeaway? Prioritize the bed, the shuttle, and try to eat before you get there. Or be ready to throw money at food.
Okay, aside from the airport proximity, what's the one thing that *really* stands out about this place? The thing that made you go "Whoa" or, conversely, "Ugh, not again."?
Hands down, the service. I lost my phone. Yep, full-blown, heart-in-my-throat, world-crashing-down meltdown. I retraced my steps, panicked, and finally, in a fit of despair, went to the front desk. The very sweet person listened patiently– even while I was babbling incoherently about lost contacts and my entire life being on that tiny piece of metal. And then they *found it*. Down the hall, in a chair! Someone had turned it in. I honestly teared up with gratitude. They were so *genuinely* helpful and empathetic. That kind of service? That makes a difference. Makes all the little imperfections fade away.
What didn't stand out? The parking situation. Which felt overpriced and kind of inconvenient. But honestly, I barely remember it after that phone drama.
Let's talk money. Is this place worth the price? Be honest! Remember, you're talking to a fellow traveler.
Okay, the million-dollar question (or, you know, the price of a night at the hotel... which *felt* like a million). Truth time. It's expensive. No way around it. But, and this is a big but, *if you value convenience and a touch of luxury*, especially before or after a flight, then yes, it's *worth it*.
Would I stay there every time I flew out of Milwaukee? Probably not. If I were on a budget, I'd search for some cheaper option. But for a special occasion, a treat to myself, or if you value your sanity (and don't want to deal with airport parking), absolutely. It's a splurge, yes, but a practical one. Plus, you just might find your phone. And THAT, my friend, is priceless.
Any insider tips or secret hacks for "Escape to Milwaukee" you can share? Spill the beans!
Alright, alright, here's the inside scoop.
- Pack snacks. Seriously. Airport food is overpriced, and the hotel restaurant, while convenient, isn't exactly a bargain. Hit up a grocery store on the way, or bring your own stash. I’m talking cookies, trail mix, the works.
- Take advantage of the shuttle. Seems obvious, but plan your departure around the shuttle schedule. Don't try to be a hero and walk it. You're not there to do the Ironman, trust me.
- Ask for a room on a higher floor. The views (what little there are, since it is near an airport) are slightly better, and you might escape the noise. Unless you're one of those people who *likes* airplane noises.. then, heyChicstaystQuality Suites Milwaukee Airport Milwaukee (WI) United States
Quality Suites Milwaukee Airport Milwaukee (WI) United States
